Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti ‘set for shock Olympiacos transfer talks as Barcelona look to offload outcast defender’
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BARCELONA chiefs are set to meet Olympiacos officials on Monday to discuss a potential deal for Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti, reports suggest.
Umtiti has fallen out of favour at Barca, who are full at centre-back as they have Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique - although he has also been linked with a departure.
The Blaugrana have been trying to offload the France international, who has been a long-term Gunners target, ever since last year but his injury history as well as his wages have posed as a stumbling block.
According to , the Catalan giants will hold talks with Olympiacos early next week to discuss a potential deal that would see the 28-year-old moving away from the Nou Camp.
The Greek champions are interested in a season-long loan for Umtiti, whose Barcelona deal runs out in 2026.
The Frenchman's salary will also be a hot topic, even though his contract renewal last January has seen his wages being spread over more years to make him more affordable.
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Rennes showed interest earlier this summer but negotiations with Barcelona fell through.
Olympiacos could offer Umtiti regular football as they are in need of reinforcement at centre-back.
The Piraeus outfit are likely to lose star defender Pape Abou Cisse, who was previously linked with a move to the Premier League, this summer.
They also need to add more youth with the likes of Avraam Papadopoulos and former Arsenal ace Sokratis Papastathopoulos at a senior age.
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Umtiti was left out of Barcelona's pre-season squad by manager Xavi along with Martin Braithwaite, Oscar Mingueza, Riqui Puig and Neto
The Frenchman joined Barca from Lyon in 2016 and has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 133 appearances.